Unlocking the Power of CPARS: A Key to Government Contracting Success Dec 11, 2023

In the competitive landscape of government contracting, one tool that often doesn't get the attention it deserves is the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). Understanding and leveraging CPARS can significantly boost your chances of winning and maintaining government...

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RFIs are Critical – Don’t Neglect Them Dec 11, 2023

Government Requests for Information (RFIs) are essential tools in market research, and how you respond can significantly impact your business's success. This is vital for all small business contractors working with the government. Let's break down the three common types of RFI responses and...

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Responding to an Avalanche of RFPs with a Small Team Dec 11, 2023

For small government contractors, navigating the busy federal procurement season can be challenging, especially when resources are limited. Whether you have a small team dedicated to business development and proposal writing, or you're handling it all yourself, it's crucial to strategize...

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Maximizing Proposal Success: The Critical Importance of Requesting Debriefs Dec 11, 2023

Whether you're celebrating wins or awaiting decisions on proposals, there's one vital action you should always take: request a proposal debrief, win or lose.

I learned the importance of this step through a hard experience early in my career. I was leading a proposal team for a major opportunity...

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Implementing a Review Process for Proposals with a Small Team Dec 11, 2023

Let’s delve into effective proposal review strategies. For small teams, traditional color team reviews like those in the Shipley model (Pink, Red, Green, and Gold Teams) may not be feasible due to limited personnel. However, there are ways to adapt and still ensure quality in your proposal...

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Leveraging After-Action Reviews (AARs) for Better Proposals Dec 11, 2023

Many government contractors overlook the importance of After-Action Reviews (AARs), but these evaluations are crucial for growth and improvement. The proposal process for government contracts is often exhaustive and stressful, so it's understandable that teams may not want to revisit it...

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Crafting an Effective Capabilities Statement for Government Contractors Dec 11, 2023

For government contractors, a one-page capabilities statement is an indispensable tool. This is especially true for newer or lesser-known firms. A capabilities statement is more than just a formality; it's a key piece of marketing collateral that represents your business when you're not there to...

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Essential Free Tools for Federal Business Development, Including GSA and SBA Resources Dec 11, 2023

 In the competitive field of government contracting, having the right set of tools can be a game-changer for your business development initiatives. While the market is flooded with paid solutions, there are several free resources that can be just as effective, if not more so. Here’s a...

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